Finally, the days are long, the soil is warm, and everything seems to be growing at a crazy rate!! After months of sowing and planning, the plot is starting to look full speed ahead. Weeding, watering, planting, and harvesting can quickly fill every spare minute, so it helps to have a clear idea of priorities (I can at least try to be organised).
Although many gardeners think the main sowing season is over, there is still plenty to sow throughout June.
Direct Sow Outdoors
- Beetroot
- Carrots
- French beans
- Runner beans
- Dwarf beans
- Courgettes
- Sweetcorn
- Lettuce
- Rocket
- Radish
- Spring onions
- Turnips
- Swede
- Chard
- Kohlrabi
- Pak choi (late June in cooler areas)
Sow in Modules or Pots
- Kale
- Purple sprouting broccoli
- Winter cabbage
- Spring cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower for autumn harvests
By sowing little and often, particularly salads and radishes, you can enjoy a continuous harvest throughout summer.
What You Can Plant Out
June is generally safe for planting out tender crops after the risk of frost has passed. I was a little too keen and lost my sweetcorn to frost in May!
Plant out:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Chillies
- Cucumbers
- Courgettes
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Sweetcorn
- Outdoor basil
- French and runner beans
Remember to harden plants off before planting if they have been raised indoors or in a greenhouse.
Harvesting!
You may be picking:
- Strawberries
- Early potatoes
- Lettuce
- Rocket
- Radishes
- Spring onions
- Broad beans
- Peas
- Spinach
- Chard
- Herbs
- Early carrots
One of the joys of June is walking around the allotment to gather ingredients; it’s often the first month we fill the trug!
Jobs for June
Stay on Top of Weeds
Warm temperatures and occasional rain create perfect growing conditions for weeds.
A little weeding several times a week is far easier than tackling an overgrown plot later in the month.
We strim and mow a lot, too!
Water Wisely
Water deeply and less often rather than little and often.
Early morning or evening watering helps reduce evaporation and encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil.
Support Tall Crops
Check supports for:
- Peas
- Beans
- Tomatoes
- Sweet peas
Earth Up Potatoes
Continue earthing up potatoes until the foliage becomes too large. This helps prevent potatoes from turning green and increases the harvest.
Feed Hungry Crops
Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and courgettes benefit from regular feeding once flowers begin to form. Liquid feeds made from comfrey or seaweed are excellent choices. I think I’m going to try a nettle version too, since we have so many!
Wildlife on the Plot
June is a wonderful month for wildlife. I have been loving spending time with the brave little robins. I also found a toad! Try leaving a shallow dish of water for pollinators and birds during hot weather.
Remember…
June can feel overwhelming! There is always another weed to pull, another bed to prepare and another job waiting. Our plot looks full of weeds, and I have to remind myself not to panic and that the allotment is not just about harvests. It is also about wellbeing, slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
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